1. OMG GMOs – Review Notes

2. Genetically Modified Organisms
To increase crop yields, we can mix the genes of similar types of organisms and mix the genes of different organisms.
Artificial selection has been used for centuries to develop genetically improved varieties of crops.
Genetic engineering develops improved strains at an exponential pace compared to artificial selection.
Controversy has arisen over the use of genetically modified food (GMF).

3. Mixing Genes
Genetic engineering involves splicing a gene from one species and transplanting the DNA into another species.
Figure 13-19

5. Genetically Modified Organisms
The winged bean, a GMF, could be grown to help reduce malnutrition and the use of large amounts of inorganic fertilizers.
Figure 13-20

6. Genetically Modified Organisms
GMO- scientists directly alter the genes of organisms including crop plants and livestock
In the past we’ve used artificial selection/selective breeding
GM crops are modified to be-
Herbicide resistant so farmers can spray herbicide on weeds w/o killing their crops
Pest resistant
Ice resistant (strawberries)

7. Biotechnology is transforming the products around us
GM foods are a big business
Globally in 2012, 17 million farmers grew GM foods on 170 million ha (420 million acres)—11% of all cropland
90% of U.S. corn, soybean, cotton, and canola are GM plants
Most GM crops are herbicide and pesticide resistant
Large-scale farmers grow crops more efficiently

8. Genetic engineering is like, and unlike, traditional breeding
Traditional breeding changes organisms through selective breeding of the same or similar species
Works with entire organisms in the field
Genes come together on their own
Uses the process of selection
Genetic engineering mixes genes of different species
Works with genetic material in the lab
Directly creates novel combinations of genes
Resembles the process of mutation

9. Genetically Modified Organisms
Controversy has arisen over the use of genetically modified food (GMF).
Critics fear that we know too little about the long-term potential harm to human and ecosystem health.
There is controversy over legal ownership of genetically modified crop varieties and whether GMFs should be labeled.

10. What are the impacts of GM foods?
As GM crops expanded, scientists, citizens, and policymakers became concerned
Impacts on human health, but support of this has been elusive
Ecological concerns over escaping transgenes
They could harm non-target organisms
Pests could evolve resistance
They could ruin the integrity of native ancestral races and interbreed with closely related wild plants
Precautionary principle = idea that one shouldn’t undertake a new action until the effects of that action are understood

11. Genetically Modified Organisms
Concerns of GM crops include
GM plants could breed with the wild variety found in nature = decrease in plant diversity
GM plants could create “superpests” resistant to the GM “supercrops”
Consequences of GM crops are still open for debate because it is newer technology
Concern about possibly impacting human health w/ altered proteins

12. Genetically Modified Organisms
Supports of GM crops claim they reduce carbon emissions by:
Fewer pesticide applications = tractors using less fuel
Herbicide resistant crops encourage no-till farming then more carbon is sequestered in the soil
GM crop research suggests that GM crops reduced carbon emissions equivalent to taking 3.6 million cars off the road

13. Genetically Modified Organisms
Environmental Benefits:
Higher yields
Promotes low-tillage techniques
Decrease soil erosion
Decrease energy consumption from machinery
Lower fertilizer requirement
Reduce pesticide use
Drought resistance crops reduce irrigation needs

14. Genetically Modified Organisms
Economic Benefits:
Produces higher yeilds
Less money spent on pesticide, herbicide, fertilizer, water
Increased nutritional value
Low tillage techniques:
Lower fossil fuels needed and released
Less pesticide/herbicide use = decrease healthcare costs for farmers

15. Genetically Modified Organisms
Environmental Disadvantages:
Insect resistant crops could reduce beneficial insects
Drought resistant and salinity resistant plants increases pressure to convert semi-arid land into farmland = decrease in biodiversity in those areas
Lower genetic variability
Wheat varieties in China have dropped from 10,000 in to 1,000 by 1970

16. Genetically Modified Organisms
Economic Disadvantages
Higher yields = increase in soil depletion
Produces sterile seeds
Have patent seeds which must be purchased annually (poor farmers unable to purchase)
Cost of tracking and labeling GM crops in food supply
Research and development

17. Public debate over GM foods continues
Consumers in Europe have expressed widespread unease about genetic engineering
U.S. consumers have largely accepted GMOs
Europe blocked import of American agricultural products from 1998 to 2003 because of concerns about the products being genetically modified
The United States sued the European Union before the World Trade Organization for hindering free trade
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety lays out guidelines for open information about exported crops

18. Many nations label GM foods
Some nations now demand that GM foods be labeled
United States Senate just voted in June 2016 to require labeling
Large majority of Americans would like labeling
Some loopholes are present
Labeling proponents: people have a right to know what they are eating
Labeling opponents: labeling implies that the food is dangerous
In countries where food is labeled, some products stopped being stocked due to consumer aversion